PV metal roofing module

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) has developed a building integrated PV (BIPV) metal roofing module under the DOE/NREL PV:BONUS program. The module has been designed to be aesthetically and mechanically integrated into residential and commercial buildings. The module is an exact replacement for a metal roofing "pan" manufactured by ATAS International, requires no electrical feedthroughs or additional fasteners, and uses standard metal roofing materials and installation techniques already in use in the metal roofing industry. Consequently this PV roofing retains the watertight features of the best 30 year roofing systems and can be installed by metal roofing contractors with no additional specialized training. The modules are fabricated from multi-junction a-Si alloy solar cells produced on a thin, flexible stainless steel substrate. The polymer encapsulated modules are large-area (typically up to 22 ft long and 1.5 ft wide), lightweight, and flexible. This paper summarizes: the PV module and demonstration array design; the installation procedure; the demonstration program; and the projected cost.